Meaning of the Mai family crest symbols
Shield - Chevron
The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.
Shield - Fess
The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.
Meaning of the Mai coat of arms colors
Black
The black color (known as Sable) symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the family. It is a symbol of family longevity through time.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Mai name meaning and origin
The family name Mai is of Vietnamese origin and means "plum" or "apricot." It is a common surname in Vietnam and is often used to refer to someone who is associated with the fruit or the tree.
History of family crests like the Mai coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Mai name variations and their meaning
The family name Mai has various variations across different cultures and regions. In Vietnamese, Mai is a common surname and is pronounced as "My." It is also a popular given name in Vietnam. In Chinese, the surname Mai is written as 麦 and pronounced as "Mài." This surname is relatively rare in China. In Japan, the name Mai is often used as a given name rather than a family name. It is written as 舞 and means "dance" in Japanese. In some African countries, such as Nigeria and Ghana, Mai is a surname that is derived from the Hausa language and means "water." Additionally, in some European countries, Mai is a variation of the name May, which is derived from the English word for the fifth month of the year. Overall, the variations of the family name Mai reflect the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of individuals who bear this name.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
